Chlorine (gold label)
Kills bacteria and algae, while burning out many other impurities.  Chlorine must be in your pool at all times.  You may add it daily, weekly, or monthly depending on the type used.

pH Rise and pH Lower (yellow label)
The pH of a chlorinated pool must be between 7.2 and 7.6, in order to prevent eye irritation and allow the chlorine to work.  When the pH drifts to high or low, you can bring it back with pH Riser or pH Lower.

Total Alkalinity Control (yellow/black label)
Helps to increase the total alkalinity of the pool water without raising the pH level.  The total alkalinity of the pool water without raising the pH level.  The total alkalinity should be maintained at approximately 100ppm.  Low alkalinity is indicative of corrosive pool water, a blue or green cast to the water and difficulty in holding chlorine residuals.  One pound of total alkalinity will increase 7,500 gallons of water approximately 8ppm.

Shock Treatments (red label)
These fast-acting, high concentrations of chlorine "burn off" impurities and algae.  Shocking is also important in freeing up chlorine that has been "locked up" by ammonia in your water.

Algaecides (green label)
Helps weaken algae so that chlorine may kill it more effectively.  Usage depends on concentration.

Clarifiers (blue label)
Helps your filter to remove solid impurities by coagulating them into "clumps" that are more readily removed by the filter.  Usage depends on concentration.

Mineral Removers (copper label)
Helps your filter to remove minerals by coagulating them into "clumps" that are more readily removed by the filter.  Usage depends on concentration.

Chlorine Stabilizers (orange label)
Shields chlorine to reduce its dissipation be sunlight, reducing the amount of chlorine necessary to keep the pool water constantly chlorinated.

Calcium Plus (black/orange label)
Helps to prevent the build-up of suds on the surface of pool water by keeping the total amount of calcium and magnesium in the pool water within acceptable.  Use only as directed by pour pool professional.